Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An interconnection evaluation system, the system comprising: a switchboard including at least one endpoint; at least one endpoint contact tester configured to transmit a digital input signal obtained from each endpoint of the switchboard; automation testers each configured to output a preset digital output signal to the switchboard, and to each generate interconnection information at each endpoint of the switchboard by reflecting the digital output signal and digital input signal; and an interface unit configured to generate a switchboard status information of the switchboard by reflecting the interconnection information, wherein the interface unit comprises: a HMI (Human Machine Interface) communication unit configured to perform a communication with the automation testers, and obtain endpoint interconnection information of each endpoint of the switchboard from the automation testers; a completeness determinator configured to determine interconnection status of the switchboard by reflecting the endpoint interconnection information of each endpoint transmitted from the automation testers, and generate switchboard status information including information on the interconnection status of the switchboard by reflecting the determined interconnection status of the switchboard; and a HMI output unit configured to output the generated switchboard status information, and wherein each of the automation testers includes an automation tester communication unit, wherein the automation tester communication units communicate with the at least one endpoint contact tester, and wherein the HMI communication unit communicates with the automation tester communication units in a multiplexed state.
This invention relates to an interconnection evaluation system for testing and monitoring the status of switchboard connections. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently verifying the interconnection status of multiple endpoints in a switchboard, ensuring accurate and reliable communication between components. The system includes a switchboard with at least one endpoint, endpoint contact testers that transmit digital input signals from each endpoint, and automation testers that generate preset digital output signals and interconnection information by comparing the output and input signals. The interconnection information is used to assess the switchboard's status. The system also features an interface unit with a Human Machine Interface (HMI) communication unit that retrieves endpoint interconnection data from the automation testers, a completeness determinator that evaluates the interconnection status and generates switchboard status information, and an HMI output unit that displays this information. The automation testers include communication units that interact with the endpoint contact testers and the HMI communication unit in a multiplexed state, allowing efficient data exchange. This system provides a comprehensive solution for monitoring and verifying the integrity of switchboard connections in real-time.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one endpoint contact tester transmits the digital input signal to the automation testers after a rising time of the switchboard lapses when the automation tester outputs the digital output signal to the switchboard.
This invention relates to automated testing systems for electronic circuits, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately testing signal transmission between components in a controlled and synchronized manner. The system includes a switchboard that receives a digital output signal from an automation tester and routes it to at least one endpoint contact tester. The endpoint contact tester then transmits a digital input signal back to the automation tester after a predefined rising time of the switchboard has elapsed. This ensures precise timing and synchronization between the signal output and input, allowing for reliable testing of signal propagation delays, signal integrity, and component interactions. The system may also include multiple endpoint contact testers to test multiple endpoints simultaneously, improving efficiency in large-scale testing scenarios. The rising time delay mechanism ensures that transient effects or noise from the switchboard are minimized, providing accurate and repeatable test results. This approach is particularly useful in high-speed digital circuit testing, where timing accuracy is critical.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the automation testers include storage, wherein the storage is stored with a matching (corresponding) relationship between the digital input signal and the digital output signal, and the interface unit generates the switchboard status information by reflecting the endpoint interconnection information and the matching relationship.
This invention relates to automated testing systems for switchboard devices, addressing the challenge of efficiently verifying the interconnections and signal processing of digital inputs and outputs in complex electrical systems. The system includes automation testers that analyze digital input and output signals to ensure proper functionality and signal integrity. Each tester is equipped with storage that maintains a corresponding relationship between digital input signals and their expected digital output signals. This relationship is used to validate the accuracy of signal transmission and processing within the switchboard. The interface unit generates switchboard status information by combining endpoint interconnection details with the stored matching relationships, providing a comprehensive overview of the system's operational state. This allows for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting of signal pathways, ensuring reliable performance in industrial or electrical control applications. The system enhances diagnostic capabilities by cross-referencing actual signal behavior with predefined expectations, reducing errors and improving maintenance efficiency.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one endpoint contact tester is integrated through a VME rack.
A system for testing endpoint contacts in electronic devices is disclosed. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently verifying the integrity and functionality of electrical connections in high-density or complex electronic assemblies, where manual testing is time-consuming and prone to errors. The system includes at least one endpoint contact tester designed to interface with the contacts of a device under test (DUT) to measure electrical properties such as resistance, continuity, and signal integrity. The tester may also include diagnostic capabilities to identify faults, such as open circuits, short circuits, or degraded connections. The system further incorporates a VME (Versa Module Europa) rack, which provides a standardized mechanical and electrical interface for integrating the endpoint contact tester with other testing modules or control systems. The VME rack allows for modular expansion, enabling the addition of multiple testers or auxiliary components to support comprehensive testing workflows. The integration through the VME rack ensures compatibility with existing test setups and facilitates seamless data exchange between the tester and external systems, such as data loggers or analysis software. The system may also include a controller that manages the testing process, automating sequences, and collecting results for further analysis. The controller can be programmed to execute predefined test protocols or adapt to different DUT configurations, enhancing flexibility. The overall system improves testing efficiency, accuracy, and scalability, particularly in manufacturing or maintenance environments where rapid and reliable contact verification is critical.
5. A method for switchboard interconnection evaluation system, the method comprising: transmitting, by each of automation testers, a digital output signal to a switchboard; transmitting, by each of at least one endpoint contact tester, a digital input signal to the automation testers by receiving the digital input signal from the switchboard; generating endpoint interconnection information formed on the switchboard by reflecting the digital input signal and the digital output signal received from the automation testers; generating switchboard status information of the switchboard by reflecting, by an interface unit, the endpoint interconnection information; performing, by the interface unit, a communication with the automation testers; obtaining, by the interface unit, the endpoint interconnection information of each endpoint of the switchboard from the automation testers; determining interconnection status of the switchboard by reflecting the endpoint interconnection information of each endpoint of the switchboard transmitted from the automation testers; generating switchboard status information including information on the interconnection status of the switchboard by reflecting the determined interconnection status of the switchboard; and outputting the generated switchboard status information including the information on the interconnection status of the switchboard, and wherein each of the automation testers includes an automation tester communication unit, wherein the automation tester communication units communicate with the at least one endpoint contact tester, and wherein the HMI communication unit communicates with the automation tester communication units in a multiplexed state.
This invention relates to a system for evaluating interconnections in a switchboard, addressing the need for automated testing and monitoring of switchboard configurations. The system involves multiple automation testers and endpoint contact testers that interact with the switchboard to assess its interconnection status. Each automation tester transmits a digital output signal to the switchboard, while endpoint contact testers send digital input signals to the automation testers after receiving them from the switchboard. The system generates endpoint interconnection information based on these signals, reflecting the switchboard's configuration. An interface unit collects this information from the automation testers, determines the interconnection status of the switchboard, and generates switchboard status information. The interface unit communicates with the automation testers, which in turn communicate with the endpoint contact testers. The automation testers include communication units that operate in a multiplexed state, allowing efficient data exchange. The system outputs the switchboard status information, providing real-time insights into the switchboard's interconnection status. This approach ensures accurate and automated evaluation of switchboard configurations, improving reliability and reducing manual testing efforts.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the transmitting, by each of the at least one endpoint contact tester, the digital input signal to the automation testers by receiving the digital input signal from the switchboard includes transmitting the digital input signal to the automation tester after a preset time lapses when the automation testers transmit the digital output signal to the switchboard.
This invention relates to automated testing systems for verifying the functionality of endpoint contact testers in communication networks. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable signal transmission between endpoint contact testers and automation testers, particularly in scenarios where timing synchronization is critical for accurate testing. The system includes at least one endpoint contact tester and one or more automation testers connected through a switchboard. The endpoint contact testers are configured to transmit digital input signals to the automation testers after receiving them from the switchboard. The automation testers generate digital output signals, which are sent to the switchboard. The endpoint contact testers then forward the received digital input signals to the automation testers only after a preset time delay following the transmission of the digital output signals by the automation testers. This delay ensures proper synchronization and prevents signal collisions or misalignment during testing. The preset time delay is adjustable and can be configured based on the specific requirements of the testing scenario, such as network latency or signal propagation delays. This method improves the accuracy and reliability of automated testing by ensuring that signals are transmitted at the correct intervals, reducing errors in test results. The system is particularly useful in high-speed communication networks where precise timing is essential for validating endpoint contact functionality.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the generating endpoint interconnection information formed on the switchboard by reflecting the digital input signal and the digital output signal received from the automation testers includes generating the endpoint interconnection information based on a matching (corresponding) relationship between the digital output signal and the digital input signal.
This invention relates to automated testing of digital systems, specifically methods for generating endpoint interconnection information in a switchboard environment. The problem addressed is the need to accurately determine and document how digital signals are routed between testers and devices under test (DUTs) in automated test setups. The method involves a switchboard that receives digital input and output signals from multiple automation testers. The switchboard reflects these signals to generate endpoint interconnection information, which maps the connections between testers and DUTs. The key innovation is that this interconnection information is generated based on a matching relationship between the digital output signal (sent by a tester) and the corresponding digital input signal (received by the DUT). This ensures that the recorded connections accurately reflect the actual signal routing in the test system. The process includes analyzing the reflected signals to identify which tester outputs are connected to which DUT inputs. By establishing this correspondence, the system can automatically generate a reliable map of the test setup's interconnections. This eliminates manual documentation errors and provides real-time verification of test configurations. The method is particularly useful in complex test environments where multiple signals must be routed precisely between numerous testers and DUTs. The resulting interconnection information can be used for test validation, troubleshooting, and system documentation.
8. The method of claim 5 , further comprising outputting, by the interface unit, the switchboard status information in response to a manipulation input of a user.
A system and method for managing and displaying switchboard status information in an industrial or telecommunications environment. The system includes a monitoring unit that collects real-time operational data from a switchboard, such as voltage levels, current flow, circuit status, and fault conditions. This data is processed to generate switchboard status information, which may include alerts, performance metrics, or diagnostic details. An interface unit then presents this information to users, allowing them to interact with the system. The interface unit can display the status information in various formats, such as graphical dashboards, numerical readings, or alert notifications. Additionally, the system allows users to manipulate the interface, such as zooming in on specific data points, filtering information, or triggering automated responses. The interface unit responds to user inputs by updating the displayed information accordingly, ensuring that users receive the most relevant and actionable data. This system enhances operational efficiency by providing real-time insights and enabling quick decision-making in switchboard management.
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January 9, 2018
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